Sleep or Insomnia Therapists in 64157
Dr. Leah Barreca
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Kansas City, MO 64157 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Are health issues impacting your outlook? Twenty years of honing my therapeutic skills in diverse medical and mental health settings have shaped my unwavering belief in the transformative power of evidence-based therapies. Witnessing firsthand the struggles of individuals battling sleeplessness, chronic headaches, arthritis pain, IBS, and others, led me to specialize in health psychology and leverage CBT-based solutions as both first-line and adjunctive treatments. Recognizing the demands of modern life, I have dedicated my practice to virtual therapy, ensuring equitable access to these specialized treatments regardless of location.
Are health issues impacting your outlook? Twenty years of honing my therapeutic skills in diverse medical and mental health settings have shaped my unwavering belief in the transformative power of evidence-based therapies. Witnessing firsthand the struggles of individuals battling sleeplessness, chronic headaches, arthritis pain, IBS, and others, led me to specialize in health psychology and leverage CBT-based solutions as both first-line and adjunctive treatments. Recognizing the demands of modern life, I have dedicated my practice to virtual therapy, ensuring equitable access to these specialized treatments regardless of location.
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Sleep or Insomnia Therapists
How effective is treatment for insomnia?
The most effective treatments for insomnia are behavioral techniques that reduce anxiety, including anxiety about falling asleep, and allow the body’s natural cycles to be recalibrated. The most common treatment is cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I), which researchers have found to be more useful than medication, with rates of success as high as 80 percent.
Are there specific medications for sleep problems?
There are many medications, both over-the-counter and prescription that treat sleep problems. Supplements such as melatonin are popular and may help, though there is little evidence that it is more effective than a placebo. Prescription medications such as zolpidem are sometimes prescribed.
Are there natural treatments for sleep problems?
There are many natural treatments for everyday sleep problems. Reducing blue-light emitting screens, setting a regular bedtime, regular exercise, reducing caffeine and nicotine consumption, and keeping the bedroom dark and cool at night are all lifestyle changes that can help those who struggle with sleep but may not reach the level of an insomnia diagnosis.
What’s the difference between having trouble falling asleep and insomnia?
Life events, stress, and anxiety can lead to sleepless nights for everyone from time to time. To be diagnosed with insomnia, a patient must experience trouble falling asleep, trouble remaining asleep, waking up too early, or non-restorative sleep at least three nights per week for at least one month. Sleep problems affect one-third to one-half of the population, while chronic insomnia affects about 10 to 15 percent of people.